For the 2025 tax year, a 17-year-old generally does not qualify for the main $2,200 Child Tax Credit (CTC) because they are age 17 (over the "under age 17" requirement), but they might qualify for the nonrefundable $500 Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) if they meet other dependency tests, potentially as a "qualifying relative". The standard CTC is for children under 17 at the end of the year, while older dependents, like a 17-year-old, usually fall under the ODC rules.
Increased the credit from up to $2,000 per qualifying child in 2020 to up to $3,600 for each qualifying child under age 6. Increased the credit from up to $2,000 per qualifying child in 2020 to up to $3,000 for each qualifying child ages 6 to 16. Makes 17-year-olds eligible for up to $3,000 in credit.
For 2025, the credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, you (or your spouse, if married filing jointly,) and each qualifying child must have a Social Security number that is valid for employment in the United States and issued before the due date of the tax return (including extensions).
You lose the Child Tax Credit (CTC) at age 17 because federal tax law specifies the credit applies to children under age 17 at the end of the tax year; once a child turns 17, they "age out" of this specific credit, though they might qualify for the smaller Credit for Other Dependents ($500) or remain a standard dependent for other tax benefits. This age cutoff isn't based on student status or living situation (which allow them to remain dependents), but is a strict IRS rule for the CTC.
How the CTC Works Today. Taxpayers can claim a child tax credit (CTC) of up to $2,200 for each child under age 17 who is a U.S. citizen, national, or resident and has a Social Security number (SSN).
For the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC), the qualifying child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year (meaning 16 or younger) and meet other criteria like having a Social Security number, being a U.S. citizen/resident, and living with the taxpayer for more than half the year, with the credit amount typically up to $2,200 per child for 2025, notes the IRS, National Conference of State Legislatures, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Tax Policy Center.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 temporarily expanded the child tax credit for the 2021 tax year to $3,600 per child under age 6 and $3,000 per child up to age 17.
A minor who may be claimed as a dependent has to file a return once their income exceeds their Standard Deduction. For tax year 2025 this is the greater of $1,350 or the amount of earned income plus $450 up to the full Standard Deduction of $15,750.
Your parents can claim you as a dependent on their taxes after you turn 18 if they support you financially and you meet other IRS requirements for dependent children or relatives.
Dependents of any age, including 17 and older. Maximum credit amounts to US$500 per dependent. You can claim this in addition to other available credits.
Income tax can apply to money your child receives, such as bank account interest or dividends from shares. For tax purposes, a “minor” is an individual under 18 years of age at 30 June of the income year. Special tax rules for minors apply until they no longer meet this definition.
The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) provides up to $1,189 per eligible tax return for tax year 2025. YCTC may provide you with cash back or reduce any tax you owe. California families qualify with earned income of $32,900 or less.
Yes, you can get the Child Tax Credit (CTC) even with no income or if you don't owe taxes, as it can reduce your tax liability to $0 and part of it is refundable (you can get it back as a refund), but you must file a tax return to claim it and meet other basic requirements like having a qualifying child and living in the U.S. for over half the year. The refundable portion helps if you have no tax liability, but you need to file a return (like Form 1040) to get the money, even if you'd normally not file.
You lose the Child Tax Credit (CTC) at age 17 because federal tax law specifies the credit applies to children under age 17 at the end of the tax year; once a child turns 17, they "age out" of this specific credit, though they might qualify for the smaller Credit for Other Dependents ($500) or remain a standard dependent for other tax benefits. This age cutoff isn't based on student status or living situation (which allow them to remain dependents), but is a strict IRS rule for the CTC.
Income limits
Keep in mind that even if the minor doesn't meet the $14,600 income threshold, it still may be beneficial for them to file a return. If, for example, income tax is withheld from the minor's paycheck, they may get a refund if they file.
Qualifying children can include your son, daughter, stepchild, adopted child or a descendant, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister or a descendant of one of these, provided they are age 18 or younger as of the end of the year (or 23 or young if the child is a full-time student).
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), which was enacted in 2025, increased the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child beginning with the 2025 tax year. This amount will also be adjusted annually for inflation starting in 2026.
If income is up to ₹1,500 per year: It is exempt under Section 10(32) and not added to the parent's income. This is allowed for up to two children. If income exceeds ₹1,500 per year: The excess amount is clubbed with the parent's income and taxed. However, parents can still claim ₹1,500 per child as a deduction.
You may be eligible for a California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) up to $3,756 for tax year 2025 as a working family or individual earning up to $32,900 per year. You must claim the credit on the 2025 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or if you e-file follow your software's instructions.